On December 31, Samantha Swift, Slippery Rock University’s interim vice president of advancement, passed suddenly. Swift, a Butler native, began working at SRU in 2011 and held the position of executive director of development and advancement services for two years after serving as director of development for nine years. In September 2022, Swift was named interim vice president of advancement.
SRU President Karen Riley has sent the following statement regarding Swift’s passing:
“The unexpected death of our dear friend and colleague Samantha Swift on December 31 at home due to an unanticipated medical episode has left us all shocked and devastated. Professionally, she was an important part of the University’s leadership group; she was a skillful tactician with a knack for forging connections and motivating others around her.
She was fiercely competitive, and her work ethic had the University on pace to exceed all fundraising goals for the year. Although numbers and goals were important to Samantha, she will be remembered for how much she gave to her community and as a person who cared deeply for others. When you were with her, she made you feel special, which is a rare gift. She touched the lives of so many people through her work, her passionate leadership and service to the SRU and Butler County communities and beyond. We will miss her.”
